People News: I-X Center Makes Some New Hires, Promotions Continue Through Holidays
January 6, 2014
It may be the slowest time of year on the trade show calendar, but that didn’t stop companies from continuing to fill their ranks, as well as promote people from within.
Cleveland-based International Exposition Center (I-X Center) added two new members to its sales staff - Travis Poppell, as director of sales, and Lisa Shields, as associate director of sales.
Poppell will be responsible for developing and leading the I-X Center sales team to identify and cultivate new major trade shows, conventions, large consumer events and other new business opportunities for the venue
“Travis is a talented leader with a friendly, professional manner and a hands-on, teamwork attitude,” said Brad Gentille, I-X Center president and CEO.
He added, “He is excited about the resurgence of Cleveland as a convention and meeting destination and strongly believes in the I-X Center’s key role in its future success.”
Shields will manage the development of sales leads, building new relationships, networking with existing partnerships and assisting with identification of new business opportunities for large conference and consumer events.
Gentille added, “We’re looking forward to having Travis and Lisa’s combined professional experience to continue building on our success with new trade shows, meetings and special events.”
The Professional Convention Management Association's Education Foundation has hired Susan Mennenga as its new executive director.
Mennenga immediate focus will be to ingratiate herself with the new strategic plan, introduce herself to the Board of Trustees and familiarize herself with the activities relating to upcoming foundation events.
“Susan brings a wealth of knowledge to the Education Foundation, she has a proven track record as both a leader and a fundraising executive,” said PCMA President & CEO, Deborah Sexton.
She added, “I have no doubt she will advance the initiatives of the PCMA Education Foundation and cultivate new successes.”
Association management company SmithBucklin promoted Brian Teague to vice president, Financial Management & Accounting Services (FMAS). Teague will continue to work out of the company's Chicago office, reporting to Al Koob, executive vice president and CFO.
In his new role, Teague will be responsible for overseeing the accounting and financial management of all full-service and outsourced services client organizations located in the Chicago and Washington, D.C. offices. He will also continue to manage the Client Statistics and Analytics group. In addition, he will serve as a member of the SmithBucklin Corporate Management Team.
"Brian's strong financial skills, coupled with his impressive leadership qualities and passion for business growth will continue to position SmithBucklin as the leading provider of financial management services to associations," Koob said.
He added, "With more than 17 years of experience in financial management, operations and analytics, Brian's promotion is in recognition of his incredible business acumen and commitment to superior client service."
dmg events USA has upped trade show industry veteran Nicole Buraglio to managing director of the Collective Group. She will have full P&L responsibility of 16 annual conferences tailored to high-level marketing executives. Prior, She was Marketing Director for dmg events USA’s two ad:tech North America events.
Buraglio has spent her 16-year career marketing events of all sizes. Most recently, at Hanley Wood Exhibitions as Director of eMedia, she managed the sales, marketing, operations and technology of the digital business across the company’s 18 annual events.
She also led the divisional marketing team in operational efficiencies and systems implementation and training.
“Nicole’s marketing and event industry experience, combined with her diverse career path, makes her a perfect fit to lead this business,” said Amy Allen, executive vice president, dmg events USA. “I have confidence in Nicole’s leadership and her ability to successfully grow this franchise.”
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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